Summer is here, and Napa supermarkets are overflowing with fresh, seasonal produce! From juicy watermelons and plump peaches to ripe heirloom tomatoes and colorful squash, the options are endless– and bursting with flavor. So, if you’re looking to elevate your next dish with the best seasonal fruits and veggies that Napa Valley has to offer, this guide is for you!
Since 1980, Browns Valley Market in Napa has been your one-stop shop for fresh produce, natural ingredients, specialty foods, and general grocery items and merchandise. We invite you to visit our store today or give us a call at (707)-253-1873 to speak with one of our market team members.
Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables You’ll Find at the Grocery Store this Summer
Choosing locally grown, seasonal produce not only benefits your taste buds, but also your health, your community, and the environment. Local produce travels a shorter distance, so it is picked at its peak ripeness. That means when it arrives at the supermarket, it’s fresher and bursting with more flavor, nutrients, and antioxidants. Plus, buying local supports Napa Valley farmers and strengthens our local economy by keeping your dollars circulating within our community.
Read on to discover some of the delicious fruits and vegetables in season in Napa supermarkets this summer!
Stone Fruits
Stone fruits are a quintessential fruit of summer. These juicy gems can be enjoyed fresh, grilled, baked into pies, or blended into refreshing smoothies– just don’t forget to take the pits out first!
Some of the most popular summer stone fruits include:
- Peaches
- Nectarines
- Cherries
- Apricots
- Apriums
- Plums
- Pluots
- And more!
Stone fruits are typically in season in California from May to September.
Heirloom Tomatoes
Heirloom tomatoes come in an array of shapes, sizes, and colors. They are specifically grown to be more flavorful, tend to be sweeter, and have fewer seeds.
Heirloom tomatoes add a burst of juicy, sun-ripened flavor to any dish you add them to. With minimal prep, you can toss them into a Caprese salad, a light summer pasta dish, or a classic BLT.
In California, heirloom tomatoes are typically in season from July to September.
Summer Squash
Summer wouldn’t be complete without an abundance of summer squash. These versatile vegetables have a mild flavor and are easy to cook, making them a welcome addition to countless summer dishes. Sautéed, roasted, or baked into zucchini bread, the possibilities are endless.
Keep an eye out for these summer squash varieties:
- Zucchini
- Yellow crookneck
- Yellow straight neck
- Scalloped
- Round
- And more
In California, summer squashes are generally in season from May to October.
Sweet Corn
Nothing says summer like corn on the cob! Sweet corn is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into so many summer recipes. With its juicy kernels bursting with flavor, this summertime staple is a treat you won’t want to miss.
In California, sweet corn is usually in season from June to October.
Peppers
Summertime in California brings a vibrant selection of fresh peppers in a range of flavors from sweet and mild to fiery and bursting with heat. Whether you crave a touch of sweetness and crunch in a stir-fry or a burst of heat in a homemade salsa, there’s a perfect pepper waiting to elevate your favorite summer dish:
- Bell Peppers
- Sweet Peppers
- Shishito
- Padrón
- Jimmy Nardello Peppers
- And more!
Peak pepper season in California is from July to November.
Green Beans
Green beans are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into a variety of summer recipes. Simmer and serve with butter and garlic for a delicious side dish, toss them into any salad for some extra crunch, or bake them into a casserole for a nutrient-packed dinner – the options are endless!
Green beans are typically at their peak from May to September.
Melons
Melons are sweet, refreshing, and easy to serve to a full house on a warm summer day. Enjoy them solo as a hydrating snack or add them to a fruit salad for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Look for these melon varieties at your favorite supermarket this season:
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Honeydew
- Crenshaw
- Sugar melon
- Canary Melons
- And more!
California melons are usually in season from July to September.
Find the Best Seasonal Produce at Browns Valley Market
So there you have it, a summer’s worth of fresh, local produce to inspire your culinary creations! At Browns Valley Market, we are committed to bringing you the very best that Napa has to offer. As always, our friendly staff is happy to answer any questions you have and help you find the perfect seasonal ingredients. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Please remember that all seasonal produce in Napa supermarkets will vary depending on the year’s weather trends and growing conditions.
